Embattled Rebel

Jefferson Davis as Commander in Chief

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Battle Cry of Freedom, a powerful new reckoning with Jefferson Davis as military commander of the Confederacy shows how Davis shaped and articulated the principal policy of the Confederacy with clarity and force and, like no other chief executive in American history, exercised a tenacious hands-on influence in the shaping of military strategy.

If you are someone like myself who has seen the excellent PBS series "The Civil War" and has read several books on Generals Grant and Sherman, then this book is a terrific way to complete your understanding of the conflict. It is a very good discussion of the politics, strategies, and internal conflicts and insurmountable barriers to victory that the Confederacy had to deal with. I am still struck by the strength of conviction of Davis around the need for the war, though feel very sad for the Confederate States for having undertaken such a stupid and immoral adventure. This books helps explain the mindset of the leading members of that community. A great read.

Looking forward to reading this book. NYT Book Review wrote that this is a good read: " McPherson is not interested in comparing Davis and Lincoln or in building a case against Davis for treason or anything else. Rather, he is interested in the challenge of transcending his own convictions and understanding Davis as a “product of his time and circumstances.” "